Columnist Josh Wegman of The Rating lately highlighted 5 potential touchdown spots for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren, who has been a wholesome scratch within the crew’s first three video games. He’s not the one columnist arising with commerce hypothesis as insiders and analysts try to make the items make sense.
Regardless of his expertise, Liljegren, 25, could also be searching for a change of surroundings, with sources like The Fourth Interval’s David Pagnotta reporting that whereas he hasn’t made a proper commerce request, he would welcome a possibility to play full-time elsewhere.
Liljegren is within the first yr of a two-year, $6 million contract, and Toronto GM Brad Treliving has been hesitant to maneuver him, valuing the crew’s blue-line depth. Nevertheless, if the correct deal comes alongside, a transfer might be attainable.
Wegman speculates that groups just like the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, and Los Angeles Kings might be within the combine for Liljegren’s providers.
Dallas, with $2.4 million in cap house, might afford Liljegren and is searching for a puck-moving defenseman to enhance Nils Lundkvist. The Oilers, alternatively, have restricted cap flexibility however are in determined want of a dependable associate for Darnell Nurse.
The Penguins current a extra acquainted choice for Liljegren, as Pittsburgh GM Kyle Dubas drafted him throughout his tenure with the Leafs. Whereas the correct aspect of their protection is already crowded, Liljegren might nonetheless be a invaluable addition. The Panthers and Kings even have potential wants, with each groups coping with accidents on protection, together with Drew Doughty in Los Angeles.
What Different Groups Would possibly Make Sense for a Liljegren Commerce?
These aren’t the one choices as Adam Proteau of The Hockey Information lists groups just like the Anaheim Duck, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, and Philadelphia Flyers as choices. Within the circumstances of those groups, including Liljegren is likely to be much less concerning the quick want and extra about funding and potential flipping of an asset as every undergoes their rebuild or retool. Solely St. Louis is likely to be wanting so as to add Liljegren to contend.
Liljegren’s state of affairs stays fluid, and whereas he could make his season debut quickly, commerce talks might intensify if Toronto continues to battle with roster selections.
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